“Because I’m going to say yes to you, instead of doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”

“You’re on holiday,” he retorted sarcastically. “What are you ‘supposed’ to be doing?”

Being independent. Growing a backbone. Discovering things on her own. Definitely not falling in love and changing her plans for a guy. Not again.

And she already had once—when she’d decided to skip Naxos and stay onboard with him. And it was fast downhill from there—already she was at the point where she’d do anything for him.

That wasn’t okay.

“I’m sorry Levi. I have to go.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ll lose myself in you. Already it’s happening.”

“Like tofu?” His sarcasm bit.

“Don’t try to make me change my mind,” she said. “Don’t do that to me.”

Because you could.

He looked at her for a long, long moment. Then he shook his head. “You cannot be serious.”

“I am.”

“No,” He stalked four paces away, then whirled back. “We’ve just had the best day ever. The best four days.”

She hesitated—didn’t want to lie. “That’s not the point.”

“Then what the hell is the point?”

“If I stay with you—”

“You’ll have a great time. So will I. What the hell’s wrong with that?”

“I don’t want to change my plans.”

“I’m not asking you to.” He flung up his hands. “What’s with the whole ‘I want to be alone’ crap? No one wants to be alone. Not all the time. Not for good.”

“You don’t get it, I need to be.”

“Why? Because you made a mistake with an ex once? Who hasn’t done that?” He walked forward. “This isn’t good enough, Becca. You’re running away again because, for whatever reason, you feel out of your depth. But don’t. Don’t be a coward.”

“I’m not.” How could he possibly say that? This wasn’t being cowardly—this was being brave. This was doing the right thing, no matter how hard.

“Look, if you don’t want to be with me, fine. But call it as it is, don’t make some lame excuse—”

“It’s not you.”

“No?”

“I need this time alone.”

“Because you have to prove something stupid to your over-travelled family?”

“It’s got nothing to do with my family.”

“No? You’re not trying to prove to them and the rest of the world that you can handle anything on your own?”